Customer Reviews

You Can Save the Animals: 251 Simple Ways to Stop Thoughtless Cruelty

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Newkirk combines rare qualities: true passion and the ability to communicate that passion thoughtfully and inspiringly. Put simply, Newkirk takes the viewpoint that it's cruel and immoral to treat animals as though they feel no pain and have no needs or desires outside of what humans wish for them. That such an idea is even controversial is pretty sad. But whenever someone believes something strongly and unquestioningly, cynics spring up. Here, in the face of overwhelming proof that many animals suffer needlessly and extravagantly, the arguments of those who disagree seem particularly weak and ill-informed. Happily, Newkirk here manages to convey her considerable intensity without bogging down in theory or rhetoric. The book is peppered with lots of simple, real-world things that animal lovers can do -- avoiding pet stores that sell animals, for example -- though most seem sadly unlikely to make more than a whisker of difference. Better are the many heartbreaking real-life stories of people who have suddenly realized that animals can reflect the best of what it means to be alive. One hunter shoots a buck and approaches, wondering why the doe hasn't run off. He discovers that the doe is blind. Examining the dead buck more closely, he notices a worn-away patch on his hip and a corresponding patch on the doe's shoulder -- obviously, the buck had lead the doe through the forest. And chose not to run, rather than abandon his blind mate.

At least hunters and anglers have the courage to confront the animals they encounter. Newkirk's at her outraged best when cataloguing the unspeakable conditions endured by animals most of us never see, and thus never consider. The cheeseburger that looks so harmless in its polystyrene box probably represents a nightmare life of confinement and terror. What others dismiss as "preachy" or "dogmatic" doesn't come off that way in the face of the overwhelming evidence Newkirk presents that animals are consistently treated horribly by the food, fur and medical industries.

Hey, I know from experience that people hate hearing this stuff, and react angrily and defensively from the mere suggestion that they put some thought into their behavior and its consequences. So I don't expect this book to win many friends or convert many carnivores. But that doesn't mean I'm not thrilled and moved and sad and inflamed and delighted and inspired by a book that, I hope, will be better understood and more widely acted on in the future.

This book is a must read. I just got it in the mail last night and by this morning, I have already read half of it. I have turned my life into a vegan eating practice and I strive to maintain this same state in all I do. Always having a soft spot for animals, this book reminded me of that and opened my eyes even wider to countless and thoughtless acts of cruelty against our fellow animals. There were some points, in what I have read already, where I had to stop for a moment and get my composure after reading how some of the animals are treated. I will recommened this book to anyone who expresses concern and wants to help our friends as well as carry this knowledge with me.

Thanks for a great book.

I couldn't put this book down. I'm not normally a big reader. I took my kids to the library and happened to see it...thought I would skim it over. Not only did I read it cover to cover IN ONE DAY...I'm taking ACTION. I love animals and thought I was pretty compassionate. Nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to read. I can't believe, especially in the U.S, that animals are treated in such a manner. You HAVE GOT to read this book. It will change how you live!

This excellent book summarises ways in which we can help stop animal abuse, which pervades all aspects of out lives. As a physician, I sought out the chapter on animals experimentation. While many people have been programmed to believe that experimenting on animals is necessary to improve human health, in fact quite the opposite is true. Not only is animal experimentation not good for human health, it may even be instrumental in delaying progress. Unfortunately, there are many who make a liveing out of this particular kind of exploitation (experimenters, pharmaceutical mega-companies, etc.), who have a vested interest in persuading the public that the practice should be continued. Ms. Newkirk's excellent book will help people begin to understand how they can help stop this cruel and unneccessary practice.

As an active animal advocate always looking for help on animal cruelty awareness, the tips give concrete advice and scripting to those who want to help educate the public. One can begin education within the home then spiral publicly outward. It's never too late to start.

As Berkeley Breathed has been quoted in this book, "Thankfully there are many options to reduce the suffering of our critter friends. Find them within these pages."

This book should be mandatory reading for everyone. It's easy to ignore the suffering of others (animals in this case, but this goes for people too) if you can tell yourself that you don't know about it, but once you're confronted with facts _and_ with a vast range of options to make a positive change, then the choice, and the responsibility, is yours.
Knowing that millions of animals are killed in shelters every year, will you put off spaying/neutering your pet? Once you're aware of the horrific fur farming practices, will you knowingly decide to put vanity ahead of the animals' welfare and choose a mink coat instead of an equally attractive and warm coat made of man-made materials?
This book is listed as out of print, but you can still buy it used here on amazon, or new directly from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) at www.peta.org

This is a wonderful book, filled with beautiful true stories and sharp insights and discomforting truths about the meat, vivisection, fur, entertainment and other industries that abuse animals. They will hate it and do all they can to belittle it.

Ingrid Newkirk is a visionary and a fighter--she worked with Mother Teresa in India and as a Maryland law enforcement officer. Since 1981, she has devoted her life to saving animals, and she doesn't stop with dogs and cats. You will be entertained, shocked, amused, amazed and inspired. Find out why the organization she began now has 600,000 members worldwide, and learn easy ways you can change your shopping habits and lifestyle to thwart the animal abusers.

Newkirk's devoted supporters include Paul Harvey, Paul McCartney, Peter Falk, Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Bea Arthur,Alicia Silverstone and many others. Read this book and find out why.

I am so glad I read this book. Even before I read it, I beleived in Animals' Rights. Now, I understand more clearly and have a more definite outlook of how humans treat animals. After I read the book, I immediately went to their web page and joined PETA. It made a difference in my life, maybe it'll do the same for you.

PETA and Ingrid Newkirk have been fighting for the animals for many years. I am one of the people who they have touched and changed forever. If you do not know what it means to live for the animals, please read this, and pick up PETA's excellent cookbooks.

This is what you can do to honor our planet and ALL the creatures on it. The power of your plate and the way you live your life is REAL, and you CAN make a difference.

This is a wonderful book, filled with beautiful true stories and sharp insights and discomforting truths about the meat, vivisection, fur, entertainment and other industries that abuse animals. They will hate it and do all they can to belittle it.

Ingrid Newkirk is a visionary and a fighter--she worked with Mother Teresa in India and as a Maryland law enforcement officer. Since 1981, she has devoted her life to saving animals, and she doesn't stop with dogs and cats. You will be entertained, shocked, amused, amazed and inspired. Find out why the organization she began now has 600,000 members worldwide, and learn easy ways you can change your shopping habits and lifestyle to thwart the animal abusers.

Newkirk's devoted supporters include Paul Harvey, Paul McCartney, Peter Falk, Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Bea Arthur,Alicia Silverstone and many others. Read this book and find out why.